Prohibition of marijuana has existed in some form in the United States since the 1860’s, further restrictions were enacted in the 1930’s to include the sale, consumption, transportation, and production of marijuana. The war on drugs began in 1971, since then the government has spent trillions of dollars fighting various drugs including marijuana. In recent polls 58% of Americans are in favor of the legalization of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana has been a controversial issue for a century. Has the tide finally turned in the fight for legalization since marijuana is now legal for medicinal purposes in 20 states and for recreational use in 2 states. Even with all the strides made in favor of legalization it still remains a heavily
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse report, there are many health risks involved when smoking marijuana, it is said it effects short term memory, cognitive functions, and coordination and balance, and in large does users can experience acute psychosis. Marijuana has negative effects on learning, memory and attention. Not only its adverse on brain functions but users can experience respiratory problems. Marijuana has a negative effect on wellbeing increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Someone who smokes daily the user may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level. It is said 1 in 11 users becomes addicted especially teenagers. Dr. Christian Thurstian wrote in the Denver Post “When they’re high, these young people make poor choices that lead to unplanned pregnancies, STD, school dropouts and car accidents that harm innocent people. When teenagers are withdrawing from marijuana, they can be aggressive and get into fights or instigate conflicts that lead to more trouble.” In closing, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, but its use and effects would be worse if it was legal. Alcohol has already caused so much destruction and dysfunction in society. We must ask ourselves why are we rushing to expand the use of another substance with its own social and economic …show more content…
A commonly cited reason against decriminalizing marijuana is children and teens will have increased access to the drug, today children and teens already have access to the drug and are using it at increasingly high rates despite prohibition. As surveyed by the National Center on Addiction reported that it is easier to buy marijuana than it is to buy beer. Current laws have not stopped teens from using. Banning marijuana does not eliminate the market but drives it underground. If it was legal it would be regulated who and where you can buy it. Cutting out the drug dealer would lower the risk of violence associated with purchasing drugs on the black market. If it was legal it could be taxed and the states would receive much needed revenue. Arrests for marijuana has overburden our courts and prison systems. Instead of putting users in jail, spend the money assisting with rehabilitation programs. The decision to legalize marijuana will be a hot topic in our coming elections season since many states have questions regarding the legalization of marijuana on the ballots, with continued increase in support we could see more states voting yes to
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse report, there are many health risks involved when smoking marijuana, it is said it effects short term memory, cognitive functions, and coordination and balance, and in large does users can experience acute psychosis. Marijuana has negative effects on learning, memory and attention. Not only its adverse on brain functions but users can experience respiratory problems. Marijuana has a negative effect on wellbeing increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Someone who smokes daily the user may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level. It is said 1 in 11 users becomes addicted especially teenagers. Dr. Christian Thurstian wrote in the Denver Post “When they’re high, these young people make poor choices that lead to unplanned pregnancies, STD, school dropouts and car accidents that harm innocent people. When teenagers are withdrawing from marijuana, they can be aggressive and get into fights or instigate conflicts that lead to more trouble.” In closing, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, but its use and effects would be worse if it was legal. Alcohol has already caused so much destruction and dysfunction in society. We must ask ourselves why are we rushing to expand the use of another substance with its own social and economic …show more content…
A commonly cited reason against decriminalizing marijuana is children and teens will have increased access to the drug, today children and teens already have access to the drug and are using it at increasingly high rates despite prohibition. As surveyed by the National Center on Addiction reported that it is easier to buy marijuana than it is to buy beer. Current laws have not stopped teens from using. Banning marijuana does not eliminate the market but drives it underground. If it was legal it would be regulated who and where you can buy it. Cutting out the drug dealer would lower the risk of violence associated with purchasing drugs on the black market. If it was legal it could be taxed and the states would receive much needed revenue. Arrests for marijuana has overburden our courts and prison systems. Instead of putting users in jail, spend the money assisting with rehabilitation programs. The decision to legalize marijuana will be a hot topic in our coming elections season since many states have questions regarding the legalization of marijuana on the ballots, with continued increase in support we could see more states voting yes to